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Some chiefs and youth in the Ada Traditional Area have expressed deep disappointment and anger following reports that several traditional leaders have publicly endorsed ElectroChem Ghana Limited — the company at the centre of the controversial Songor salt mining operations — shortly after a luxury retreat allegedly sponsored by the same company.
The growing tension in Ada took a dramatic turn this week after a section of chiefs returned from a trip to the Safari Valley Resort and openly declared their support for ElectroChem Ghana Limited, confirming what many residents had long suspected — that the trip was a covert lobbying mission funded by the salt mining company to secure allegiance from traditional authorities.
The trip, originally presented as a “capacity-building workshop” under the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, has since been linked to ElectroChem, a private company whose operations at the Songor Lagoon have been the subject of public protests, environmental concerns, and traditional disputes.
According to community sources and local leaders, the chiefs’ endorsement of ElectroChem has fueled outrage among many in Ada, especially the youth and elders who accuse the traditional council of sacrificing the interests of the people for private gain.
“The chiefs have confirmed our worst fears — that they’ve taken money and benefits from ElectroChem in return for their silence and support,” said Asafoatser Songor I, a youth leader and vocal advocate for community rights in the Songor area. “They have sold Ada’s birthright for comfort and personal benefit.”
The Songor Lagoon, a historic communal salt basin, is considered sacred and vital to the livelihoods of communities across Ada. For decades, residents have relied on it for small-scale salt winning, a source of income that has sustained generations.
But since ElectroChem was granted a 15-year lease over the Songor salt concession, the situation has changed. Access to the lagoon has been restricted, and communities like Salom and Madagber have reported flooding, displacement, and clashes with private security forces.
Despite these concerns, the public support from chiefs — coming after the much-criticized trip to Safari Valley — has left many residents feeling betrayed.
“How can they enjoy luxury while our homes are flooding? How can they speak for the company that has brought pain to our people?” asked, a youth organiser in Toflokpo.
Sources reveal that Queen Mother Naana Adikie Manyeyo Addi of the Adibiawe Clan played a key role in coordinating the trip, allegedly collecting Ghana Cards from chiefs for processing travel allowances. Critics argue that her involvement, despite not being a formal member of the Ada Traditional Council, raises serious concerns about protocol and accountability.
While the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs has yet to officially respond to the funding allegations, grassroots leaders and some aggrieved chiefs are mobilising to challenge what they see as a sellout of communal resources.
Two respected traditional leaders reportedly declined the trip altogether, citing ethical concerns and the growing perception that the Ada Traditional Council has become a tool in the hands of corporate interests.
Civil society groups are also demanding full disclosure on the funding and purpose of the trip, and some are calling for a national inquiry into the relationship between ElectroChem and traditional authorities in Ada.
“This is no longer about salt. It’s about sovereignty, survival, and leadership,” said a concerned queen mother from Sege. “The people will not sit quietly while their heritage is sold.”
As Ada confronts growing internal divisions, the question on the minds of many is whether traditional leadership can still represent the interests of the people. For now, the rift between chiefs and their subjects appears to be deepening — and the battle for the future of Songor is far from over.
